On the avenue of dress shopping for an upcoming special event or occasion, you can go from something really fancy (but pricey) to something that's not as flashy (but rather affordable). However, if you shop properly (read: scour the racks) you can find many fabulous dresses that are under $50. Fortunately, you're reading an article from an expert bargain shopper--under $50? Found it! And I'll take one in every color!

Below are three dresses that look expensive, but aren't. And if you keep reading, I'll give tips on how to wear these dresses, so that you can avoid "cheapening" the look. Ready? Read on...

The Dress: West Coast Wardrobe Midas Touch Dress

The Cost: $44.00 at Boutique to You

What makes this dress look expensive?

The little flash of "precious metal" definitely makes this dress look more expensive than its worth. Plus the high low hem is so on trend right now.

Personal Styling Tips:

Pair with a dainty gold necklace that parallels the neckline, a metallic clutch, and dark red lip color, and you'll look like you're ready for the red carpet!

The Dress: Two Tone Silk Midi Dress

The Cost: $40.00 at Topshop (was $130!)

What makes this dress look expensive?

If the old price tag is any indication, this dress looks expensive because it's 100% silk. Fortunately for we bargain shoppers, this dress is now on sale. Snap it up before it's gone!

Personal Styling Tips:

I would have a little bit of fun with this dress since it's a pretty simple colorblock design. A python print clutch might look nice, or you could try a statement necklace to add a bit more character to the look. If you want to accentuate your waist, add a textured belt in a fun color like yellow or keep it simple with a black belt.

The Dress: Love 21 Cascade Flutter Dress

The Cost: $27.80 at Forever 21

What makes this dress look expensive?

The silhouette! This cascade detailing and the flutter sleeve make this dress look like it's designer. It will surely garner a "Where did you get that?" or two.

Personal Styling Tips: I would wear with strappy gold heels and a statement necklace that runs parallel to the neckline. A gold cuff and pretty nude polish would finish off the look perfectly!

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and if you haven't already, it's time to get Mom something special. You've been through everything together, so now is your opportunity to show her your appreciation! Of course, you could really go all out and get her fancy anti-aging products or a day at a luxurious spa. Those are fabulous gifts indeed. Thankfully dear ol' mom will understand if you don't have lots of extra cash to spend. That's why I've rounded up several affordable yet fabulous gifts under $40 for the daughter on a budget!

Give mom a little hint of sparkle with a fabulous pair of earrings, like these Rachel Roy Sabine Round Jewel Stud Earrings ($22.00 at Piperlime). I recently bought my mom a similar pair in a light green for her birthday a few weeks ago, and they add the perfect hint of shine to every outfit! Another way to help mom accessorize nicely is with this Macy's Haskell Bracelet, Blue and Brown Beaded Shaky Bracelet ($25.00 at Macy's). Inspired by Brazil, this is perfect for when Mom is vacationing at an exotic destination or when she wants to add a bit of bohemian flair to her outfit.

You really can't go wrong with anything Burt's Bees, and this Sugar Scrub Honey & Shea ($12.99 at Walgreens). With the warm scent of honey and shea, this natural sugar scrub combines ground almonds with aloe leaf juice to leave skin polished and perfectly soft. She will surely appreciate it!

My mom really loves handbags, especially Buddha bags. While Buddha bags are a little on the pricey side, this straw satchell Hard Framed Satchel - Green ($39.95 by Kelly & Katie at DSW) would be a fantastic option. This bag is right on trend for summer and it has enough room to carry everything Mom needs.

My mom also really loves a good skincare product. Most good skincare products are expensive, but Clinique actually carries a great line of products for a reasonable price. Your mom might really love this New Mild Clarifying Lotion ($12.50 at Clinique). This comfortable exfoliator helps create smooth, glowing skin, and it clears away pollution, grime, dulling flakes. The non-drying formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin!

I'm pretty much obsessed with MOR cosmetics--the scents are fabulous and refreshing and they carry a wide range of products to accomodate your beauty needs. Try this Essential Collection Hand Body Wash ($16.00 by MOR at Zappos). Your mom can use it as a ultra luxe hand wash or in the shower.

And don't forget, if you want to give Mom something completely free, here are a few great options: Wash dishes for her, cook her a meal, do the laundry for a week. As busy as Mom is, she just might appreciate that more than anything!

What will you be getting Mom this Mother's Day? Let me know in the comments!

Can you believe it's almost May?! I know I sound old when I say this, but I seriously have no idea where the time has gone! April was a fun month here on Beauty and the Budget! Did you miss something? Catch up with this month's top articles, and for those of you dedicated beauties who check back here every day--relive your favorite articles from this month! Here's the top five:

Ways to Wear Arm Candy--You all loved the three different ways to stack on your arm candy! Which was your favorite way?

How to wear Polka Dots--Learn how to style the pattern of the month, and get all of my favorite pieces under $45

Spring 2012 Trends: 25 Pieces under $25--Snap up these bargains before they disappear

Lush's S/S 2012 Lookbook--Their latest lookbook features two of my favorite fashion bloggers. Find out who they are!

Must-Have Spring Dresses--That you need and want! Which trends are a must and which trends aren't? Here's the run down of the three dress trends you need, and the three dress trends you'll want!

You may have to suffer through those April showers before you see May flowers (sorry, couldn't resist!), but that doesn't mean you have to spend the month in a fashionable rut. There are several fashionable rainweather pieces that are not only affordable, but functional since they'll also keep you dry!

So which umbrellas, rain jackets and rainboots offer the most stylish ways to endure this rainy season? Check out some of my favorites below! Which pieces do you love? Let me know in the comments!

Mossimo® Womens Rain Anorak - Assorted Prints

$34.99 by Mossimo at Target

Clear Plastic Rain Coat

$72.00 at Topshop

CHOOKA Tropical Batik Rain Booties

$60.00 by Chooka at Lord & Taylor

Dirty Laundry Rodwell Rain Boot - Orange/Pink

$44.95 by Chinese Laundry at DSW

Duck, Duck, Umbrella in Red ($17.99 at Modcloth)

Piano Man Umbrella ($29.99 at Modcloth)

Because not everyone can afford $1,200 stilettos, Christian Siriano and Lela Rose both debuted their latest designer collections for Payless on the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The Fall '12 collections are expected to be available in September with styles typically starting at under $40 an item! Now that's a deal that Beauty and the Budget can do.

"Providing high-end fashion pieces at affordable prices is something we pride ourselves in season after season," said LuAnn Via, CEO and president of Payless ShoeSource. "Christian and Lela [Rose] continue to create inspired designs that translate well both on and off the runway; and we are thrilled to make their unique designs, along with all our Designer Labels, available and accessible for all to wear and enjoy."

Inspired by the 1930s movie, "The Vampire Bat," the Christian Siriano for Payless Gold label for Fall '12 draws from the dark, dramatic presence of bats with the intricate detail of the creature's veins and bones in a striking nine-piece collection. The lead actress in the film, Fay Wray, played an elegant and sophisticated woman who wore beautiful blouses tucked into long evening skirts in black and white -- a look juxtaposed with the horror content and backdrop of the movie.  This was great inspiration to Christian's line, as well as the grainy nature of the old film, which influenced the white and black color palate seen throughout the accessory fabrications, which includes croco and snake prints, faux pony hair, rich black velvet and strong use of black and white "snow bat" croco. The Estella bootie, Christian's wear-it-with-everything ankle bootie, combines a black faux pony hair upper with the snow bat croco and is accented with a large buckle.

The long linear lines of cable-stayed bridges -- pioneered by  Spanish architect, sculptor and structural engineer, Santiago Calatrava -- inspired Lela Rose for her Fall '12 collection. The Lela Rose for Payless Fall '12 shoes are created with a mix of fabrics and textures such as wool, leather and wood, shown in a range of rich, deep colors such as pewter, mustard, Bordeaux and navy.  Details including unique stitched and tufted heels treatments, copper nail heads and curved T-Strap cutouts -- all tying back to the structural influences of Calatrava's bridge work.  Each of the five shoes is named after a city that hosts one of Calatrava's bridge designs.  The Pontevedra is a unique T-Strap pump that features a distinctive stitched heel and an exposed platform highlighted by vibrant striated color blocking. The pump's T-Strap incorporates a cable-stay bridge design with light cutouts up the T-strap vamp of the shoe.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and Beauty and the Budget is here to help you whittle away your check-off list. Whether you're single or taken, you've probably already narrowed down your V-Day plans. And if you've been keeping up with Ms. B and I, you already know how to be sexy, what beauty products you need to fit your sweet or sexy side, and you've gotten lots of celebrity makeup inspiration. Now let's take a look at a few V-Day must-haves for your evening out.

I have quite a love affair with pink and red, especially when it's paired together. In what used to be a huge fashion faux pas, mixing pink and red together has become quite doable over the last few years. That's why these Velvet-Bow D'Orsay Pumps ($35.50 at Charlotte Russe) are the perfect addition to your ensemble.

If you're looking to channel your sexy side, these Jenny Jenny Tassel Earrings ($42.00 at farfetch.com) have a boudoir vibe. And who can forget the perfect scent to emulate a romantic evening? Opt for Philosophy Love Sweet Love ($42.00 by philosophy at Sephora).

See the rest of the essentials below, and click on styles for more details.

What are you planning for Valentine's Day?

More philosophy...

When merchandising this week at Forever 21, I made an accidental success--a berry colored fur trimmed vest over a salmon colored silk shirt. Honestly, I was just trying to make a quick fix for a focal fixture, but once I put the two pieces together I fell in love with the combination! And beauties, after careful deliberation, I knew I would have to share this amazing color combination with you!

Berry and salmon colors are the absolute perfect combination right now. Orange and reddish-purple hues are quintessential fall colors, and this color combo is nothing short of amazing!

Although the Lunch break cardigan ($78.00 at Madewell) is expensive, I absolutely fell in love with it! It's remniscent of crushed berries and would look perfect paired with this Tall Coral Jersey Sleeveless Grandad Shirt ($36.00 at Topshop). What a better way to bring these colors together than with this Bow Foldover Wallet ($20.00 at Topshop) that is just too cute for words! The best piece above is the ASOS Short Sleeve Lace Trim Collar Blouse which is on sale for $26.19 at Asos. Not only is it a great deal, it's also got the peter pan collar and the sweet detailing that makes it a perfect pair for any menswear inspired trousers, like these Burgundy Belted Tapered Trousers ($85.00 at Topshop).

Psssst! Want to see the inspiration behind today's post? Check me out on Instagram!

Shop the rest of the look below. Click on styles for more information.

More Topshop...

It might be another mundane Monday, but I'm taking captivating inspiration from the properly chic Brits in a Royal Affair. Royal accents against a backsplash of modern and rustic pieces are key to creating a sophisticated palette fit for a queen. Who doesn't love the idea of being adorned with crowns and jewels in a home surrounded by stately art and refined decor?

From the Dark Oval Side Chair to an intricate Lace-Strewn Knob, I'm smitten with the pieces in today's decor installment.

Love modern British style? Shop the look below.

More 2Modern...